Alex Trelinski
A BOGUS gas inspector who stole cash and valuables from elderly people has been arrested by the Policia Nacional in Torrevieja.
He was part of a Costa Blanca gang that made phone appointments to visit senior citizens who lived on their own.
The 35-year-old Spaniard used padron and electoral rolls to identify potential victims and has been charged with four Alicante City robberies.
He pre-arranged visits to homes on the basis that a gas or electricity supply needed an urgent appraisal.
On arrival, the fake inspector told the resident to go onto their terrace or balcony since his work could be dangerous.
The crook then took the opportunity to steal valuables, cash and credit cards.
If he was successful in finding a card, he phoned a victim minutes after he left to get their ‘PIN’ number to charge them for his visit.
He then helped himself to a cash withdrawal.
The man has an extensive police record for similar crimes and was denied bail after appearing in an Alicante court.
Investigations are continuing to find other members of the gang.
